Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) for External Use

For those of you unfamiliar with GSE it is a wonderful option for external use. For many of us with MCS it is a great alternative as it has no chemical odor and the extract is made from organically grown grapefruits. So not only is this a healthier choice for you and the environment, but by using GSE you can save $$ over buying multiple products.

Remember that GSE should never be used full strength, it is in a concentrate form and must be diluted with water.

Nail Treatment: Dilute 5 drops of GSE in a Tablespoon of water. Apply the solution directly on the surface of the nail to the cuticle and underneath the front of the nails. DO NOT USE FULL STRENGTH ON NAILS.

Scalp Treatment: Add 5 drops of GSE to each shampooing (either in your hand or on your head with shampoo). Massage into scalp and leave on for 2 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with water.

Throat Gargle: Mix 3 drops of GSE in a small glass of water. Gargle several times. Use as often as needed. ALWAYS DILUTE GSE.

Ear Rinse: Thoroughly mix 3-5 drops of GSE with 1 ounce of glycerin. Apply 1-2 drops of this solution in affected ear 1-2 times daily. Use as often as needed. ALWAYS DILUTE GSE.

Nasal Rinse: (ADULTS ONLY) Mix 1 drop of GSE with 2 ounces of water. Use one full eye dropper of the diluted solution per nostril. Tilt your head backward and release the solution from the dropper into your nose. Gently turn your head forward and down to force the solution up into the nasal passages. Return your head to the normal upright position and allow nasal passages to drain. Do not inhale through your nose during this process. ALWAYS DILUTE GSE.

Orally: GSE can be taken for a number of certain health issues, such as sore throats, candida, colds, etc. I have also found it to have strong detoxification properties, so if you have not taken this before you may want to begin with 1 or 2 drops in a glass of water, and take note of how you feel. If you haven’t used this product before, you should discuss it with your healthcare provider, as taking too high of a dose can cause detoxification symptoms such as headaches, body aches or brain fog. What dosage is too high? A dose that causes a negative reaction in your body. When I started taking GSE for candida, it caused such a quick die-off reaction (even at the minimum dose recommended on the label), that I had a horrible headache for two days. So I changed my protocol to one drop in water, once a day. Over time I gradually increased my dose, so as not to cause a negative reaction. You must listen to your body and note how it reacts. Just because a dosage is recommended on a bottle, doesn’t mean its right for you.

As always, with any new supplementation or protocol, discuss them with your healthcare provider.